Our actions have resulted in tough times for the UK's house martin and swallow numbers

The arrival of autumn will see the departure of many bird species who head abroad in search of sunnier and warmer climates

- STUART WINTER

THE last of the summer wine may be down to its bitter dregs but at least the bouquet of Michaelmas daisies hangs sweetly in the air.

Monday saw the autumn equinox with the midday sun perched directly above the equator and myriad migrating birds passing southwards below its glare.

Watching house martins and swallows hawking deep in a densely wooded valley earlier this month had me marvelling at these travellers en route from rural England into Africa.